Keeping a legacy with the Somerville Sunsetters

In the 1970's, the Somerville Sunsetters performed show tunes all over the city. Now, almost 40 years later, the group has been revamped.

By Katie Bowler / kbowler@wickedlocal.com

Almost 40 years ago, the Somerville Sunsetters were one of the most popular singing groups in the city. A pack of late high schoolers, they sang every well-known Broadway song, from “One” from “A Chorus Line” to “All That Jazz” from “Chicago.”

But soon the Sunsetters dissipated, flying solo until the early 2000s when a new group of young singers returned, per Mayor Joseph Curtatone’s request.

Soon after he was elected, Curtatone brought Kenneth Lonergan, one of the original Sunsetters and a teacher at Somerville High School, to lead the group. A few years later, the reigns were handed over to Jimmy Del Ponte, the city’s youth arts coordinator.

The radio DJ worked for Matty in the Morning at Kiss 108 for 13 years before applying for a job with the city. Though the Sunsetters were back together before Del Ponte took over, he helped bring the group back to where it is today

Now the group includes 20 students, from ages 12-18. Though they still sing a few classic show tunes, they perform a range of popular songs, like “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” by the Beatles and “Titanium” by David Guetta and Sia.

“This was a big thing for [Curtatone]. He grew up with the Sunsetters,” said Del Ponte. “He grew up seeing them back in the old days. They used to have 40 of them. Imagine that many kids singing on your street. It’s even good when people see 20 kids. It’s beautiful, it’s great.”

Practices are held from the end of May through June, and every Monday through Thursday in the summer, the Sunsetters perform at dusk. The city blocks off the neighborhood streets for their concerts, where they perform about eight songs for about 45 minutes. At the end of each performance, they invite attendees to jump up for a dance party, starting with the “Cha Cha Slide” and “Cupid Shuffle.”

Sunsetters Lexi Sousa and Valerie Sarley choreograph dances for each song, which really brings the pieces to life. Standing in Farley rows with a handful of microphones scattered throughout, students sing their hearts out, jumping around and waving their arms in the air.

At the end of the summer, the Sunsetters receive $500 each for their hard work. For a lot of the kids, it’s their summer job.

“The kids really enjoy it, though sometimes they get out of hand,” Del Ponte joked. “The big joke is they have all this energy, laughing and singing between show times, and when we start they get up on stage and that goes away. I say, ‘Bring me the energy, bring me the energy when you were chasing each other around!’”

Some students have prior experience with singing, whether playing in the school band or performing in the drama program. Others have never tried their hand at singing, but take a chance.

Del Ponte said for students who don’t make it through their first Sunsetter auditions often sign up for Project Star, the city’s summer theater camp.

“Over almost 10 years I’ve probably had 15 to 20 kids that weren’t good enough for the Sunsetters and they did a year of Project Star,” said Del Ponte. “We worked on their vocals and they made it.”

This year, he said, the students are truly talented. It’s been a great summer so far, with only two rain cancellations and a lot of great music. The youth singing group, Del Ponte added, can really start careers, giving kids the chance to perform and learn their passions.

“It really breaks down your barrier when you’re up there singing,” he said. “If you can sing in front of crowds and strangers, it boosts your confidence, and that’s what these kids need today.”

For a list of upcoming performances, visit http://www.somervillema.gov/events/2017/07/31/somerville-sunsetters-maple-ave.